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Patti Smith: “I like Pope Francis and I’m happy to sing for him”

The punk singer likens those who've criticised her Vatican engagement to "fools"...

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The punk singer likens those who’ve criticised her Vatican engagement to “fools”…

Patti Smith has responded to recent controversy regarding her upcoming performance at this year’s Vatican Christmas Concert.

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The singer will perform live at the Auditorium Conciliazione in Rome on December 13 following a personal invitation from Pope Francis.

Smith’s booking had evoked a mixed response from Christian groups, with Catholic organisation Portosalvo apparently describing the decision as “blasphemous”, following the singer’s 1975 song “Gloria“, which famously featured the lines: “Jesus died for somebody’s sins, but not mine”.

However, speaking to The Guardian, Smith has said: “I’m not playing to the Pope. He may not even be there! But I expect there’ll be a bunch of cardinals… It’s a Christmas concert for the people, and it’s being televised. I like Pope Francis and I’m happy to sing for him. Anyone who would confine me to a line from 20 years ago is a fool!”

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Smith continued: “I had a strong religious upbringing, and the first word on my first LP is Jesus. I did a lot of thinking. I’m not against Jesus, but I was 20 and I wanted to make my own mistakes and I didn’t want anyone dying for me. I stand behind that 20-year-old girl, but I have evolved. I’ll sing to my enemy! I don’t like being pinned down and I’ll do what the fuck I want, especially at my age.”

The singer met Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square last April, where the pair shook hands.

The Vatican Christmas Concert will also feature a performance from “singing nun” Sister Christina Scuccia, who recently won Italy’s version of The Voice and covered Madonna.

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